Budgam, June 2 -- The first batch of Hajj pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir arrived at Srinagar International Airport on Tuesday, marking the beginning of the return phase of Hajj-2026 operations.

The inaugural flight carried 144 pilgrims, who were received at the airport by Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Deputy Commissioner Budgam Athar Aamir Khan and other senior civil and police officials.

Speaking to the media, J&K Haj Committee Chief Executive Officer Dr Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi said that all 144 pilgrims scheduled on the first return flight arrived safely in Srinagar.

He said the batch included 74 male and 70 female Hajis.

Dr Qureshi said adequate arrangements had been put in place at the airpor...